“The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” by Alan Garner

“The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” was sent to us as a gift to my daughter who is studying English. Well, she is 11 and might indeed like the book, but she needs more lessons before she can deal with it. The hardest part for her would be dealing with Gowther Mossock’s Cheshire accent. I thought of trying to read the book out loud to her, but first decided to get acquainted with it myself.

As soon as I started reading, I was reminded strongly of J.R.R.Tolkien’s books. They all were here waiting for me: wizards, dwarfs, elves and goblins. Well, of course, the event took place in England rather than in Middle Earth, and sometimes witches were seen driving cars – but there was also a precious artefact in which all the magic powers of the world were packed. In “The Lord of the Rings” two little hobbits need to travel, chased by dangerous enemies and facing hardships, in order to destroy a golden ring and save the world. In “The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” two children (a brother and a sister) need to travel (though a considerably shorter distance) chased by equally dangerous enemies and experiencing their fair share of hardships to save their jewel from destruction – and of course, save the world in doing so. The likeness between the two books was streightened further by the similarity in certain names – it’s obvious that elves, at least, speak almost the same tongue in England as they do in Middle Earth.

I didn’t mind that, of course. Great masters always have their followers influenced strongly by their art. If the result is more good books for me to read, so be it. “The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” is a good book.

There are several episodes in which danger seems too close, and everything looks like the battle is lost – and the reader feels thrilled and forgets that the world in the book doesn’t even exist. But these episodes are skilfully alternated with quiet and beautiful scenes that allow the reader to rest, relax and recover hope. The writing style is quite typical for fantasy – melodious, sublime (unless it’s Gowther talking) with a few invented words that look quite natural – after all, it’s an invented world.

The kids – Colin and Susan – are admirably smart, brave and resilient for their age. For that reason alone kids will love this book – and, doubtless, adults also. The adventures will take your breath away – you won’t be able to read anything else until you finish this book.